If you want to become an NDIS participant and get supports through an NDIS plan, you’ll need to apply to the NDIS. There are some requirements you need to meet to be eligible for the NDIS.
First, you need to be younger than 65 when you apply, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and live in Australia. Then, you’ll need to meet the disability or early intervention requirements.
You may be eligible under the disability requirements if you have one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent and this substantially impacts your ability to do daily life activities. Your impairment must also affect your social life, or your ability to work and study and you must be likely to need support under the NDIS for your whole life .
Or, you may be eligible under the early intervention requirements if you have one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent, and supports would help you by reducing your need for supports in the future. We will also consider if these needs could best be met by the NDIS, or by other government and community services.
If you think you might be eligible, we can help you apply to the NDIS. We will talk to you about your needs, current situation and what is important to you. We’ll look at all the information you give us to decide if you’re eligible. If you’re eligible for the NDIS, you’ll become a participant and we’ll work with you to start creating your plan. If you’re not eligible, an early childhood partner or local area coordinator can help you explore and access mainstream and community supports in your community. When we work with children under 9 and their families, we call this early connections. When we work with people aged 9-–64, we call this community connections.
Browse the guideline using the links or download a copy:
Find more resources about applying to the NDIS in accessible formats on the booklets and factsheets page .